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Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Cambridgeshire based anonymous photographic model, Jynx.

Hi Jynx. Thank you for taking some time out to answer some questions for me. How did you come to take up modelling?

'I got into modelling whilst at University. I was studying for my MSc and a guy on my course was a model, regularly doing life drawing. I got into contact with a couple of the University of Cambridge colleges looking for life models. One of the artists mentioned body painting, so I did a few body painting shoots, as well as the life drawing. I met a few photography students, worked with them, and I guess it just snowballed (super pleased it did)! I've always felt actually better starting modelling slightly older, I'm sure my expectations are different than if I was a newbie 18 year old!'

The work you put out is anonymous, why did you go down this route? Was it a choice ? Was it a necessity?

'I love being anonymous- feel it makes me mysterious! Honestly, I don't know what I want to do once I hang up my fetish ballet boots, but possibly mental health nursing, so the anonymity protects me from future employers finding out about my modelling. I know quite a few places would look upon modelling as 'unfavourable' and although I love what I do and wish to do it as long as possible, at some point, I will retire.'

How do you ensure your anonymity? Do you have to approve all images? Do you make photographers sign NDAs? Do you threaten bodily harm?

'Haha, I think I once suggested to someone they needed to sign a form akin to the Official Secrets Act in their own blood. But honestly, I either pose/use props or rely on trust- a few photographers have asked if they can decapitate me in post! I have no problems with this, but yes, I does rely on trust and that's something I insist on. And I remind people that our shoot is anonymous if I am a little concerned. I haven't ever really had any problems, other than a couple of photographers wanting to do headshots/portraits! I have politely suggested I am the wrong model for this!'

I'm hazarding a guess here, predominantly based on your work been anonymous, that Jynx is a modelling name? How did you decide on it as your modelling name?

'Haha- Jynx could totally be my real name (it might not be, but I wont share it, still keeping that anonymity and mystery)! It sounds really dull if I say I was watching James Bond and thought I would love to be a Bond Girl! I do get a few people chuckle if they ever send me a message 'Hi Jynx' as in 'high jinks' - but I think thats how photoshoots should be; energetic and fun (throw in some mischief too when urbexing)!'

As a fan of the Bond films I don't think it sounds dull. Who's your Bond of choice?

'Honestly, I don't think I have a favourite Bond! But, suggestions for future Bonds include Idris Elba, Luke Evans and Dan Stevens! I think we should shake up the look and character of Bond, redefine him!'

Have you found that your want to be anonymous has had an effect on your employability? Has anyone refused to work with you because you won't show your face? Has it happened to help your employability?

'One mans treasure is another mans trash- everyone is after something, there is no 'one size fits all' in this industry, so you will appeal to some, not to others. I use my anonymity as part of my USP- there are plenty of models out there and feeling like I was a little late arriving at the party, needed something to make me stand out and the anonymity works so well, particularly for the genres that I mainly work in (ie erotica). I find its all about storytelling, in a way, more of what you dont see, that teasing and wanting to find out more. Anonymous work, you can be anyone and that also appeals to the viewer- in the image, it could be your neighbour, your boss or even your best friend! Majority of photographers have loved the anonymity, it involves less skin editing, its quirky and amazing the amount who shoot 'anonymous' without even realising it! It hasn't stopped me modelling internationally or being published; in fact, I'm a fetcat model for Fet-Erotica magazine! I researched the definition of anonymous and its simply lacking identifiable features. So, no eyes (we are naturally drawn to identifying people by their faces, predominantly eyes) and no 'real' name- everyone calls me Jynx. Fortunately, I have no tattoos and piercings can be removed as required.'

Has your anonymity within your modelling dictated, or does it dictate things about your appearance such as tattoo's, piercings, hairstyles etc?

'I've never been interested in getting a tattoo, so fortunately that's not a issue. I do want to get more piercings, but from time-to-time, I add 'fake' piercings if I think it suits the theme. I also have an increasing number of wigs, so can easily spice up my look. When it comes to post, I leave it to the photographers how much skin retouching they wish to do (scar/mole/freckle remover sort of thing)'

The anonymous aspect aside, how would you describe the work you're putting out there?

'Kinda touched on it above, but I would say I predominantly shoot erotica, but also boudoir, nude and even fashion! I gave worked with a few photographers who were worried they didn't work to my levels- heck, its less of the level I am worried about but more the anonymous side! I suppose I favour erotica as its hard to do well, and being able to convey emotion without showing your face, you truly become an actress. I love that part of modelling, each day, I can reinvent myself, get into a character, be some new, a Grecian nude one day, feisty lover the next, latex dominatrix the day after.. and so forth. But, I love to try new things- it keeps life fun! We spend too much of our lives at work for us not to enjoy our work. I can safely say that I can get up each day and love my job, hell, I've managed to make my dream (being my own boss) a reality! There are a few fetish things I wont do, but on the whole, I will try anything :) Probably not high key beauty shots though...'

Photographer - Dayo Awe

In the spirit of anonymity, and hidden things...there's sort of a segway there I think...do you have any hidden talents you can tell me about?

'Oh man, hidden talents? erm, well, I have extensive training in pre-hospital emergency care (got to make sure shoots are safe) and bizarre party trick- I can fit my entire fist in my mouth! Does cooking/baking count as a hidden talent? Not bad at that either'

You bake...dammit, I should have done the interview in person! What's your signature bake?

'oooo... it varies! at the moment, it seems to be chocolate and pistachio fudge! Im trying out new recipes to cater for various dietary requirements/allergies, such as gluten free, lactose free and people who are diabetic. When I'm 60, I would love to open a tea shop, specialising in people with allergies and dietary requirements'

Do you have an image in your body of work that holds a special place in your heart?

'I guess there a 2 particular images. The first is a portrait with pop-art style body paint that I direct those to who wish to see my face! It was fun, my take on beauty and portraiture. And very lucky that the photographer (Vic) and artist (Draycon Designs) are two highly talented creatives, but also great friends and loved my idea! The second image is by photographer Carl Grim and was exhibited at an exhibition run by the Guild of Erotic Artists and was the only photo to sell during this event! I met the couple buying it and got to sign the back of it! I love what I do and the work I create with an array of hugely talented individuals, but its a real warm feeling that others love your work too!'

Looking ahead now, with maybe a little wishful thinking thrown in... If you could do your dream shoot (dream location, dream theme, dream outfits and props etc), what would it be?

'Dream shoot would be so hard to choose! I would love to have my photo taken by Tim Walker- I went to meet him at an evening he ran before the opening of his Storyteller exhibition and my love for him just grew (Tim, if you are reading this, please do get in touch)! Location wise, would probably have to be an abandoned church/monastery/castle in Italy. I love working in natural light, faded decor, decay of what once was majesty. Style wise- it would be a crazy mix of McQueen fashion, gorgeous lingerie by various designers including Chantal Thomas, Bordelle and Coco De Mer, fetish ballet boots, heels by Kurt Geiger, irregular choice and Jimmy Choo (and a Dior clutch, as I have always wanted one)! Throw in a makeup artist and hairstylist and think that's the team, style and location sorted! It would need to be over couple of days, but cover a story, loosely based on the idea of a woman, broken and alone, coming to terms with a tragedy and transforming herself into something stronger, powerful, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.'

I'd like to thank Jynx again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of her work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.

Wednesday, 9 August 2017

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Manchester based photographer Rob Walker.

Hi Rob. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. How was it you came to be in the photography world?

'It is quite a simple story really, I used to take a lot of photos on my phone as we all do these days, however when I started to upload them to various social media sites a few of my friends mainly a photographer from New York said that I certainly had an eye for a good photo and that I should look into buying a DSLR to give it a try. Once I had put together enough money I too that plunge and have not looked back since!'

I'm a bit of a gear junkie (just without the gear or funds for the gear) so I have to ask, your profile over on PurplePort states you've upgraded from a Nikon D90 to a Nikon D810, how did you find the change?

'I spent a lot of time researching which camera to buy for my first camera, the D90 stood out to me as I really wanted to get into Live Music photography and that model had great low light capabilities at a lower price, it was only when I moved into fashion and portraits that I decided I needed a full frame camera to really bring out the details in my work.I can honestly say as much as the D90 really shaped my work to what it is today I am 100 times happier with the D810 and have since purchased a second body which is the Fujifilm X-T2, I wanted a powerful camera in a smaller body and boy does that deliver!'

Do you still get to shoot any gig photography?

'I do yes, however I only shoot the people I think would suit my style well or only shoot musicians that email me to come along.'

You've worked for various brands. Of them all, who so far was your favourite to work with?

'I think so far in terms of the shoot, the theme and the outcome it has to be Aireyys. Aireyys is a gentleman's lifestyle brand run by athlete Mike Edwards the images from our first shoot were feature in GQ magazine and we are still working on our second shoot for publication as these things take time. The second shoot for Aireyys was to advertise the launch of a Cigar line so we ventured to London in some amazing locations and just had fun doing it.'

When you retire, assuming I'm still working, I'm inviting you back to tell me which was a downright nightmare to work with. Until then, which brand has produced the most difficult shoot? Be it difficulties with logistics, stuff just not going right on the day...

'Being honest I have not yet had a really difficult brand to shoot for or company, the only thing I could say is that I have currently been organising a shoot with Channel 4 for a show due to air later this year and organising the production team, the presenter and a cameraman for the image to be in the same place at the same time has been a challenge. The shoot has been moved 6 times but should all be going ahead in the next few days.'

Speaking of working with brands. When people take up photography, sometimes the hope is working with brands and magazines. The trouble is, they often don't know how this happens. With your work, do you approach brands? Do they approach you? Is it a mixture of the two?

'At the beginning it was me pushing my services onto brands, models, magazines etc. but now the work mainly comes to me, I don’t currently do a lot of magazine features unless it is for a brand or the shoot has a high editorial concept.'

When you approached brands in the beginning, how did you find yourself received? Plus, if it was needed, how did you persuade them to use your services?

'Luckily I already had a portfolio of portraits so they approached me as they liked my work and wanted me to be a part of their look book.'

While prepping for this interview I spent a lot of time on your site, especially on your analogue section. I happened to grow up with analogue cameras so have always had a love of them. The few times I've been asked why I love them, I generally can't give a quick answer that doesn't cause people eyes to glaze...so no pressure on you... Why do you enjoy using analogue cameras?

'I have been using cameras for around 7 years and only in the past 4 years have I ventured into analogue, originally it was more of a challenge that I set myself to see if the knowledge I had gained through digital could be passed onto film, after I had my first roll developed I just fell in love.The fact that no editing is needed and everything you see is what was taken on the camera/film just made me want to do it more and more, since that first roll of film I now own 6 35mm cameras and one medium format film camera!'

Do you get to use your analogue cameras for your paid work or is it purely for your shots for pleasure?

'This is purely for me, although the images do end up getting used I just love the look and the process of analogue so that is why I do it.'

Speaking of your site, you have a few bath shots on there. One question that comes up a fair bit in photography forums concerns colouring the water for bath shots. What do you use to colour yours?

'The common use of colour for bath shoots is food colouring, however I wanted to take a different approach and have texture to so I used Lush Bath Bombs as they contain glitter, petals oils and much more.I recently did another bath shoot which I have yet to upload on my site but for that one I also used Powdered Milk to give it that creamy milkshake look to the water and it worked really well.'

The Lush bath bombs is a good idea. When you first started with the bath photography did you have any issues trying to get the colours how you wanted, or any issue such as staining with the food colouring?

'No food colouring is used just Lush bath bombs and milk powder to achieve the creamy effect, the lush bath bombs luckily to date have not stained any item of clothing the model has worn.'

I nearly forgot my patented off topic question! As you may have noticed from my previous off topic questions, they're generally dictated by what I am doing at the time. As I am watching Lego Batman whilst I write this, what's your favourite film?

'As you can imagine it is a difficult question as so many films stand out to me, but as I write this I have to go with Dumb and Dumber as it just reminds me of my youth.'

'I am a huge fan of either world play jokes or food related jokes! my current favourite has to be: What happened when Mr Cheese painted his wife? He Double Gloucester!'

I'd like to thank Rob again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of his work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.

Wednesday, 2 August 2017

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Milton Keynes based photographer Sam of SP-Photography.

Hi Sam. Thanks for taking some time to answer some questions for me. I understand a career in photography wasn't your initial plan?

'Hi Ian, many thanks for choosing to interview me. Funnily enough no, photography was never a really something I’d considered doing full time until 2014, which really isn't that long ago when I come to think of it! I’m actually a qualified personal trainer and have worked within the health & fitness industry for many years. Photography has only ever really been a hobby, but even then it was only as far as point and shot cameras, nothing too flash (pardon the pun) or fancy.It all began back in 2014 and it’s all thanks to a very close friend of mine (I won’t name them but they know who they are) He knew I had an interest in photography and asked me if I wanted to take some images of his car to be submitted into a well known car magazine.I can remember driving out to find a location which would be suitable for these images, it’s actually one of my many locations I now use for my shoots. I'll be honest, I had absolutely no equipment, no fancy camera and more to the point no idea what I was doing haha! - Oh how times have changed....After a few hours taking these pictures I headed back to my house and uploaded them to my computer; Now, considering I had no idea what I was really doing and had no editing software to my surprise, the images weren’t too bad! – In fact, the magazine my friend submitted the images to actually published them!I suppose it was from this point on I caught the “photography bug” and decided that if I was to invest within myself and really focus on my photography I could potentially turn my hobby into a career and the rest is history as they say....'

I like to think my blog is a safe place to be able to brag, and name drop...plus I'm nosy so, what magazine was it?

'The magazine was for FastFord Mag, I think the majority of their content is now online, like most things these days but I did a little searching and managed to find the magazine image! - Take a look...'

On your website bio you say your first photoshoot was with a "standard off the shelf camera". This is a photography blog after all, and there are a decent number of gear nuts like myself, so, what camera was it, can you remember?

Judging by your bio you no longer shoot with that, so, what do you shoot with now?

'No, I actually gave the camera to a friend of mine a few years back. In all honestly I don’t actually have that much equipment, I have two main bodies, a D3200 which is used for 90% of my work you see on my social media & Purpleport and a D750 which is used for my wedding photography. My D3200 remains in my camera bag as a back up camera for my weddings!In regards to my lenses for the D3200 I have two lenses, the 50mm F1.8 and also a 55 – 300mm f4.5 – 5.6 telephoto, to most people’s surprise the 55-300mm is used a lot more than my 50mm F1.8! - There’s just something about the 50-300mm that clicks with me! (no pun intended)For my D750, I have the 50mm F1.8 and also the fantastic 70 – 200mm F2.8.I also use LED panel light(s) & a few cheap flashes off Ebay which seem to do the trick!'

As well as fashion and portraiture you shoot weddings. What made you take up what is arguably the most stressful photographic subject there is?

'The wedding photography kind of happened by accident for me! My cousin got married a few years back and asked me if I’d be happy doing his wedding photography for him. I remember saying I’d love to do it but it would be my very first wedding so perhaps if he got a wedding photography team on board for the main day and I’ll just do the evening when everyone is drunk! But him & his now wife both wanted me to shoot the whole day. So we sat down and went through the plan of action for the day. I remember going to his wedding rehearsal and thinking to myself, what have a signed up for! - Needless to say I had no sleep the night before the wedding! However, come the day of the wedding everything seem to fall into place for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! After sometime going over the images and editing etc etc I gave the images from the day to my cousin and his wife and they were over the moon with my work! Like most people they shared the results on social media and the rest is history really.I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy weddings, I think providing you plan and prepare as much as you can and try not to stress too much (I know that’s much easier said than done when your shooting the biggest day of a couples life!) They’re not as bad as people think.'

Despite your best efforts planning, have you had any mishaps whilst shooting a wedding?

'Not that I can think of no, I suppose I've always been fairly lucky although, I shot a wedding back in Autumn last year where they had torrential rain from the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I wouldn't really say a mishap but I felt extremely sorry for the bride & groom as the grounds of the venue they had hired was stunning.I do remember back in November 2016 doing an engagement shoot, I'd just finished setting up my equipment, I explained I was going to take a few test shots, pointed my camera that the couple, to which the groom says to me "you've left your lens cap on" - We've all been there!'

As you're a qualified personal trainer I assume it's fairly safe to say you're a health nut. The few health nuts I know are fairly obsessed with protein shakes. As I have to ask my obligatory nonsense question, and I don't know a sufficient amount about health and fitness to ask a sensible question, what's your favourite protein shake flavour?

'Yeah, I’m either in the gym or editing haha!I have to agree, most people who are into their training especially weight lifting can be obsessed with protein shakes, for me, I personally do use them but only after a workout to help recovery, I’m not one of these lets have a protein shake for breakfast, lunch & dinner health nuts. But to answer your question I’d have to say strawberry flavoured.'

Granted, you might not what to answer this for fear of getting into trouble, but I'll ask anyway. On the subject of both weddings and personal training, and without giving names or too much in the way of specifics, so as to not drop you in it... Who has caused you the most trouble, or have you found the hardest to work with, a bridezilla (or their mother, we've all heard stories) or a personal training client?

'The majority of my wedding customers have actually been really nice, supportive & just let me do my job so; I've not really had a bad wedding experience yet, maybe I'm just extremely lucky!I do remember one of my personal training clients though who was a bit of a nightmare to work with, I won't mention names for obvious reasons but I can remember sending them over a diet plan in order to help them achieve their results, the next morning, I had an email back from this client explaining how the diet plan I had created did not match and I quote "what I had seen on an online fitness blog" After explaining the reasons behind the diet plan and why it was created the way it was, they demanded that the diet plan was changed to match the fitness blog! - I refused to adjust it, due to specific goals and dietary requirements, they then cancelled all future sessions with me, demanded a refund and wrote a letter of complaint to the fitness manager of the club I was working at.Both myself & the fitness manager at the time really didn't know what to think of the whole situation! - Very bizarre'

Model - Bella

Within your notes you bring up the subject of model releases, and it giving you peace of mind. Model releases are one of those subjects that is often debated on photography forums, and by debated I mean often argued about. Have you ever had a situation where you've had to use the "you signed the model release" card?

'To be honest I’ve never had an issue with this, for those who have worked with me will know this but I make everything as clear as I can in our pre-shoot comms and explain exactly how the images will be used.'

One of the things you offer is photography training. If someone was to hire your services for this, what do they get?

'This is something I've only recently started doing, well, since the start of 2017.I get a fair few message via my social media platforms, mainly on my fashion work where people ask me how do I achieve the results and what settings do I use, the usual questions: what camera mode am I in? what shutter speed do you use? what’s my ISO? etc, etc.I can remember when I first purchased my D3200, looking at all the settings and thinking to myself, what an earth does any of this mean?!?I’d hate to think how many books I’ve read and youtube videos I’ve watched to get my basic understanding of photography but I fount that getting out there, practicing and getting to know your camera is the only way to improve.I must of used every single mode on my camera trying to figure out what works best, Now I only ever use manual mode and I often think when I see these messages if only someone had actually shown me a few basic tips. Which leads me onto your question, my tuition sessions are for 2 hours, this includes myself & the model (mainly shooting fashion/portraits) The first hour is spent watching myself shoot, I explain everything I’m doing from the start and of course answer any questions as we go, the second hour is then over to the participant.This allows them to get involved, use their camera and understand photography a bit more.I also explain my typical lighting set up and how to take control of the shoot.I’m not one to over direct a model, I’m actually extremely laid back to work with but I’m sure most will agree, the model can’t see what you can see behind the camera so don’t be afraid to ask them to adjust their pose(s)'

When you're asking the model to adjust her pose, are you just describing it or are you in there posing to show them? I pwomise if the answer is posing I won't be asking models for images!!!

'Haha! - I certainly don't pose myself! I find letting the model pose freely works best and then directing from there, it's just minor corrections I make such as "Can you give me more eye contact" , "look down for me" , "just look out to your left/right" , "Can you turn to your left ever to slightly" etc etc - Although I often get my left & right and their left & right mixed up, which is always amusing!I also find showing the model previous shots we've got and then explaining my ideas really helps them, but I won't be posing anytime soon!'

As someone who has successfully made the transition from hobby to job, what advice would you give others who want to make the change?

'Ohhh good question! – For me as I explained earlier photography was never meant to be a career it kind of “just happened” I’d say the trick would be to give yourself a 5 year goal.If you can imagine where you’d like to be within 5 years of wanting to go full time that’ll give you something to aim towards and I think there needs to be an end goal in order to achieve something.Just be determined and never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!'

'Would it be possible to change this to what's my favourite quote? My sense of humour is extremely dry and I'd hate to offended somebody haha!'

Sure... What's your favourite quote?

'My favourite quote would be:"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — [Benjamin Franklin]'
I'd like to thank Sam again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of his work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.